MBABANE – Charges denied!
Appearing before the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) last night, Mbabane pleaded not guilty to a litany of charges stemming from the chaotic scenes that led to the abandonment of their Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 clash against Nsingizini Hotspurs late this past month.
The atmosphere at the Sigwaca House was reportedly thick with tension as the ‘Black Bull’ faced three serious counts.
The charges include the forced abandonment of the high-stakes fixture, the physical assault of match official Celumusa Sphepho, and a comprehensive failure to control a section of supporters who invaded the pitch, bringing the proceedings to a violent halt.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and the potential for heavy sanctions, the Highlanders’ legal and administrative team remained unswayed. Testifying on behalf of the club, General Manager Richard Makhoba led the charge, categorically denying every count brought against the institution.
The crux of the Highlanders’ defence appears to be a strategic distancing from the individuals involved in the pitch invasion. While it is public knowledge that two supporters were recently arrested and fined E2 000 each for their roles in the fracas, Makhoba took a firm stance during the hearing.
He explicitly denied that the duo in question were registered members or official supporters of the club, suggesting instead that the team cannot be held liable for the actions of rogue elements outside their jurisdiction.
The hearing, which began in the early evening, turned into a marathon session of cross-examinations and technical arguments. As the clock ticked past 9:30pm, the DC led by Thulani Sibandze remained in session, meticulously combing through the report.
The assault on referee Sphepho remains the most sensitive point of the trial. Reports from the day of the match suggested the official was harassed and physically assaulted following a series of contested decisions, a flashpoint that eventually ignited the crowd.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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